As we make our way through school, we’ll have different needs when it comes to choosing the right bags. Whether you’re a parent, or a student buying your own bag, understanding the various factors that should influence your purchase can help you make the right decision. Preschoolers should carry a small backpack while older kids will need sturdier bags for more school things.
Here are some things to consider with regard to age:
Finding the right school bag for various ages doesn’t have to be rocket science. It all comes down to choosing the right size specifications and functionality to cater to each of the age groups’ needs.
Now that you’ve read about our top picks for the best school backpacks, it’s time to narrow down exactly what makes them excellent choices. When you’re doing the shopping yourself, here are the features you should look out for that will ensure you’re getting the right bag for your educational needs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Backpack for School?
The best backpack for school depends on the specific needs of the student. Two factors that will help determine which option is the best include the age/grade of the student and how much he/she needs to carry.
With these factors in mind, the best backpack should be one that is comfortable to carry, durably constructed, and offers interior and exterior pockets and other features that will help to keep things organized and within easy reach.
How much should a backpack weigh for school?
Carrying a heavy backpack isn’t just tedious; it can also contribute to lower back pain, say medical experts. To avoid issues, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that a loaded backpack weigh no more than 20 percent of a student’s weight; for example, 12 pounds should be the maximum weight of student who weighs 60 pounds.
A lightweight backpack that’s constructed of durable fabric is recommended, as the weight of the back while it’s empty will contribute to the weight – and comfort – of the back when it’s fully backed. In other words, opt for a backpack that’s lightweight when empty.
How many liters is a school backpack?
The ideal amount of liters depends on the age/size of the student, as well as how much the student needs to carry. Consider the content size of the bag in liters, as this will give you a good indication of the amount of space it offers and how much it can carry.
For primary school students, a 20 liter backpack would be ideal, as children of this age are smaller and don’t need to carry as much.
Secondary school students often need to carry more books, and therefore require packs that offer more space; a backpack of 21 to 30 liters would be suitable for this age.
For older students who need to transport larger items, such as laptops, textbooks, and folders, a backpack that’s larger than 31 liters would afford enough space.
How should a school backpack fit?
To ensure comfort, selecting a backpack that fits properly is vital. Since students’ sizes vary, taking measurements is highly recommended.
Use a flexible tape measure to determine the dimensions and shop for a backpack that corresponds to the torso length; anything longer will be uncomfortable to carry. The length of a torso is the distance from the sixth vertebra in the neck to waistline.
To evenly distribute weight, opt for a backpack with wide shoulder straps. When wearing the back, the straps should be positioned so that they are even with the shoulders and the upper back.
What backpack should I get for middle school?
The type of backpack a middle school student should select depends on the amount of items he or she will be carrying, as well as his or her size.
Generally, a 21 to 30 liter backpack is ideal for the average middle school student; however, for smaller students or students who do not need to carry as much, a bag that’s less than 21 liters may be a better choice, while larger-framed students may be able to safely carry back that’s 31 liters or more.
What backpack should I get for high school?
The type of backpack a high school student should select depends on the amount of items he or she will be carrying, as well as his or her size.
Larger students who need to carry more may be able to comfortably and safely use packs that are 31 liters in size or more; however, for students who are smaller in stature or who can stow items in lockers, a back between 21 and 30 liters would be a good option.
Students no matter what age lead demanding lives. Almost everything else goes in the backseat, because your mind is occupied with grades, exams, and projects. Not to mention the extra-curricular demands and social life that comes with high school and college.
But that’s part of student life.
When you have everything you need to successfully accomplish your academic tasks, that’s one less thing to worry about. Having the right school backpack will free up your mental resources to allow you to focus on the bigger things in your life. Bags that have been specially designed for school needs in various levels may cost the same as other backpacks, but without careful thought, you could be spending money on a bag that will only give you problems in school.
School bags will continue evolving the years, but these bags are definitely some of the best out there. As you can see from the price points, there’s no need to shell out a lot of money to find a good quality school bag. In fact, you’ll make an even bigger mistake if you buy a backpack that’s cheap but ill-fitted for your school needs. You need to make smart choices for school; why not start with your bag?
